The Turkish defense industry has marked a historic milestone with two groundbreaking tests that drew international attention. First came Skydagger’s announcement of its next-generation kamikaze swarm drone, TOYCA 05, followed by a successful test launch of a kamikaze drone from the KALKAN VTOL UAV. Shortly afterward, BAYKAR’s unmanned fighter jet KIZILELMA achieved a world first by detecting a target with its indigenous AESA radar and striking it with a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile.

Defense and Naval Analyst Kozan Selçuk Erkan described the KIZILELMA test as the beginning of a new era for Turkish military aviation. He emphasized that the significance lies not only in the aircraft’s performance but also in the seamless integration between the MURAD AESA radar and the Gökdoğan air-to-air missile. This demonstration showcased Türkiye’s ability to develop critical aviation technologies independently after years of foreign dependency and embargo-driven limitations.

Erkan noted that contrary to common perception, KIZILELMA is neither cheap nor disposable; instead, it is designed to perform the majority of missions carried out by manned fighter jets. He added that upcoming internal station firing tests and future deliveries will solidify its operational maturity, pushing Türkiye further ahead in the unmanned combat domain.

On the Skydagger side, the successful deployment of a kamikaze drone from the KALKAN UAV stands out as a crucial capability, especially for deep-strike missions. Thanks to its fiber-optic link, the kamikaze drone can operate without being affected by electronic warfare systems, ensuring precise targeting deep inside enemy territory. Additionally, this method eliminates the risk faced by drone operators, who are increasingly targeted in modern conflicts. With these advancements, Türkiye not only strengthens its own operational capabilities but also introduces a high-value, export-ready product family to the global market.

Together, the achievements of KIZILELMA and Skydagger reflect Türkiye’s rapidly advancing aviation ecosystem. Experts highlight that these tests demonstrate how the country has effectively broken the long-standing limitations in its military aviation history and stepped confidently into a new technological era.